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Wind Feed in Tariff extended deadline

2012-08-06T08:43:00Z

It's welcome news for farmers that the reduction to the wind Feed in Tariff (FIT) for installations up to 100 kW has been delayed until December. The announcement by DECC last week confirmed that it would postpone cutting the FIT rate from 28p per kWh to 21p per kWh for all wind turbines installed from 1st October to 1st December 2012. The confirmation by Energy Secretary Ed Davey means that those waiting for planning consent and will give those who want to order and install a turbine the chance to benefit from the current, higher 28p per kWh FIT rate. However, farmers considering ordering a wind turbine need to act quickly to take advantage of the higher tariff as planning permission can take around 16 weeks. Farmers who choose Ploughcroft, and begin the process sooner, will be more likely to get the higher 28pkWh FIT, which is tax-free, index-linked, for 25 years, making it one of the most attractive investments around. We can offer guidance on securing planning consent and connection to the grid for wind turbines, along with supply and installation, EPC certificates and guidance on energy contracts. We can also help with the new system of preliminary accreditation for wind and PV installations, where farmers can be informed before construction that they will be accredited, which will provide certainty over tariffs. Looking to the future, DECC should maintain the 21p per kWH and avoid the temptation to make further reductions, as it would have far reaching consequences on the uptake of this valuable renewable technology. For more information on the announcement from DECC, visit: http://bit.ly/Pgpu3R

Wind power and the FIT cut

2012-04-28T08:03:00Z

The Feed in Tariff is due to be cut from October 2012 for new wind turbine installations - from 28p per kWh to 21p per kWh. We've had lots of interest from farmers recently into wind turbine installations. The 16 week planning lead time means it's important to act sooner, rather than later, or you might find you've missed out on the higher rate.

We've just completed a wind turbine installation for Rye Godsell, a diary farmer in Gloucestershire. We installed a 15 kW Evoco turbine for him, which will payback between 5-7 years and started generating renewable energy from day one.

It just makes sense for anyone with land to look into wind turbines and the benefits that can be gained from this sustainable technology.

What the latest DECC announcement really means...

2012-01-20T09:10:00Z

Yesterday there was a further update from DECC on the Feed in Tariff, here's how it will affect domestic installations.

Worst Case Scenario: If the Court of Appeal overturn the High Court’s decision the Feed-In Tariff will be set at 21p for all systems of up to 4kwp (approximately 16 solar panels) systems installed and registered after 12th December 2011. Best Case Scenario: If the Court of Appeal reject the appeal the Feed-In Tariff will be set at 43.3p for all systems of up to 4kwp (approximately 16 Solar Panels) installed and registered by 2nd March 2012. Opinion: This is excellent news for homeowners! Whilst nothing can be guaranteed until the decision is made there is a genuine possibility of receiving a windfall of the 43.3p Feed-In Tariff on energy produced by the system for 25 years. This will create a mad rush for installations, but the potential window for action is very small. By acting quickly you will ensure that you are at the front of the queue. Even if the court appeal is successful, the 21p Feed-In Tariff for 25 years still provides an approximate return on investment of 10% (depending on your own circumstances - your supplier will be able to give you a more accurate estimate), not to mention doing your bit for the environment.

Solar gains

2012-01-10T10:31:00Z

DECC announced recently that the tariff rate for solar PV installations below or equal to 4kW in size will not fall below 21p for installations between 12th December 2011 and March 31, 2012. It's therefore time to act now.

At the rate of 21p/kWh solar panels are still a sound investment. Just look at the figures -at this (Feed in Tariff) FIT rate, the potential payback on a £9,999 investment over 25 years would be £24k - much higher than a bank account at an interest rate of 2.84% - which would give £15,209 over the same period.

The best advice at the moment for anyone thinking of installing solar panels is ignore the negative press about FITs and look at the real returns they can provide - and act quickly!